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Ways to help Our Community In the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

September 5, 201714 Elul, 5777

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The waters have receded and our community is safe but it will be years before the impact of Hurricane Harvey is fully remediated. There are three USCJ affiliated synagogues in Houston - Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Congregation Brith Shalom and Congregation Or Ami.

Congregation Beth Yeshurun, our largest kehilla in the United States, sustained the greatest damage. They have let us know that no help (such as places for people to attend High Holiday services) or books (siddurim, machzorim or chumashim) are needed at this time; what they will need most is money as their physical losses are estimated to be significantly above their insurance coverage. Donations to the USCJ Disaster Relief Fund will assist the congregation directly. This is what our network provides; Conservative kehillot helping Conservative kehillot.

Congregation Brith Shalom was spared any flooding. They did have some leaks from their roof but those have been taken care of. They generously hosted a Beth Yeshurun Bat Mitzvah and are hosting their Chapel Minyan. Together with Beth Yeshurun, they hosted a Shabbat dinner for those in the communities impacted by Harvey.

Congregation Or Ami seems to have escaped damage to their building. They have opened their doors as a comfort station to those who need a place to be or for a change of scenery; they are offering Wi-Fi, coffee and air conditioning. Or Ami also set up a supply depot and are accepting donations of things like fans and dehumidifiers, which are the top requests, along with Sharpies, sponges, and disinfectant wipes. The kehilla is working with other Jewish institutions in West Houston to provide support to individuals affected.

SWUSY (Southwest USY) has organized a gift card drive, as gift cards are extremely helpful to families in the area, many who have lost everything. SWUSY is asking for donations of gift cards to Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, or grocery stores, in denominations of less than $50, which can be distributed to families in USCJ affected kehillot. Digital gift cards can be e-mailed to [email protected] , and physical cards can be mailed to: SWUSY c/o Congregation Agudas Achim 7300 Hart Lane Austin, TX 78731.

It is clear that Florida is now a target for Hurricane Irma. In advance of the storm, Hanegev USY has canceled their regional board training weekend. We will continue to monitor Irma and keep you informed as we know more.

Our network of kehillot is an important source of support to our communities in Texas and as Hurricane Irma turns towards Florida and the east coast, we send our prayers and support to those kehillot as well. Please continue to pray for our communities.